Vehicle interior trim including a movable display element

Abstract

Vehicle interior trim comprising a movable display element The vehicle interior trim (10) comprises a trim element (15), an image generating device (27) and a display element (29) comprising a display surface (33). The display element (29) is movable between a retracted position, in which the display surface (33) is hidden from the user, and an extended position, in which the display surface (33) faces the image generating device (27) to receive and display an image projected by the image generating device (27), the display surface (33) being visible to the user. The movement of the display element (29) between the retracted position and the extended position combines a translation and a rotation of the display element (29) relative to the trim element (15). Figure for abstract: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle interior trim comprising a movable display element

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle interior trim, of the type comprising a trim element and a display system comprising an image generating device and a display element comprising a display surface for generating a virtual image from an image emitted by the image generating device and reflected on the display surface.

[0002] Passenger transport vehicles offer users a large number of functionalities for modifying certain parameters linked to the vehicle, such as internal climatic conditions, lighting inside the vehicle, or even the management of multimedia parameters.

[0003] However, the increase in the number of these functionalities leads to an increase in the cognitive load for the user, in particular for the driver of the vehicle, who must, in addition to monitoring the driving of the vehicle, take care of the management of these functionalities.

[0004] Furthermore, increasing the number of these features potentially results in an increase in the size of the vehicle. This can then degrade the experience of using the vehicle.

[0005] When driving, the user can thus be easily and frequently distracted, which increases his fatigue and reduces his concentration.

[0006] One of the aims of the invention is then to propose an interior vehicle trim making it possible to minimize both the size of the vehicle and the distractions of the vehicle's passengers.

[0007] For this purpose, the invention relates to a vehicle interior trim in which the display element is movable between a retracted position, in which the display surface is hidden from the user, and a deployed position, in which the display surface is opposite the image generation device to receive and display the image projected by the image generation device, the display surface being visible to the user, and in that the movement of the display element between the retracted position and the deployed position combines a translation and a rotation of the display element relative to the trim element.

[0008] Because the display element is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position, the user can choose to use the display element only when needed, such as to display non-essential information, thereby reducing distractions from display surfaces in the vehicle.

[0009] Furthermore, the translation and rotation of the display element relative to the trim element in order to retract the display element makes it possible to store the display element in order to limit the size of the vehicle when the display element is not in use.

[0010] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the vehicle interior trim comprises one or more of the following optional features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:

[0011] - the translation is carried out in a translation direction contained in a plane defined by a longitudinal direction and a vertical direction of the vehicle, making an angle equal to or less than 25° with the longitudinal direction and / or the rotation is carried out around an axis of rotation contained in a plane defined by a transverse direction and the vertical direction of the vehicle, making an angle equal to or less than 25° with the transverse direction;

[0012] - the translation is carried out in a translation direction parallel to a direction longitudinal direction of the vehicle and / or the rotation takes place around an axis of rotation parallel to a transverse direction of the vehicle;

[0013] - the display element comprises a moving device configured to move the display element between the retracted position and the extended position;

[0014] - the displacement device is hidden by the trim element;

[0015] - the moving device comprises a slide for carrying out the translation and / or a hinge to perform the rotation;

[0016] - the trim element comprises an upper portion and a lower portion delimiting a space between them, the display element extending into the space in the deployed position and the display element being clear of the space in the retracted position;

[0017] - in the deployed position, an edge of the display element rests on the in portion lower part of the trim element;

[0018] - in the deployed position, the display element extends obliquely from front to back and top down, with the display surface tilted while facing up and forward;

[0019] - the display element is raised against the upper portion in the position retracted and the display element is lowered below the upper portion in the extended position;

[0020] - the display element comprises a human-machine interface allowing a vehicle occupant to control the deployment / retraction of the display element, the human-machine interface being at least partly accessible to the vehicle occupant in the retracted position of the display element.

[0021] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a dashboard of which at least one portion is formed by a vehicle interior trim as described above.

[0022] The invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:

[0023] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a schematic front view of a vehicle interior trim, a display element being in the deployed position,

[0024] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective view of the interior trim of vehicle of [Fig.l], the display element being in a retracted position,

[0025] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic perspective view of the interior trim of vehicle of [Fig.l], the display element being in the deployed position,

[0026] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic sectional representation of the interior trim vehicle of [Fig.l], the display element being in the retracted position, and

[0027] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic sectional representation of the interior trim vehicle of [Fig.l], the display element being in the deployed position.

[0028] The vehicle interior trim 10 illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 is intended to trim the interior of a vehicle.

[0029] In all that follows, the terms "front", "rear", "top" and "bottom" are used in relation to the usual orthogonal reference system of vehicles comprising a longitudinal axis, horizontal and oriented from rear to front, a transverse axis, horizontal and oriented from right to left, and a vertical axis, oriented from bottom to top.

[0030] The vehicle interior trim 10 covers or forms a part of the vehicle interior, such as a dashboard, a door panel, a steering wheel, a central console, an armrest, etc., for example by adapting the geometry of the interior trim accordingly.

[0031] The vehicle may comprise several vehicle interior trims 10, for example to form and / or cover several regions of the vehicle interior.

[0032] The vehicle interior trim 10 covers or forms, for example, a dashboard 12 of the vehicle.

[0033] The vehicle interior trim 10 comprises a trim element 15.

[0034] The trim element 15 forms, for example, a part of the dashboard 12.

[0035] In exemplary embodiments, the trim element 15 comprises a portion upper portion 17 and a lower portion 19 delimiting between them a space 21. The lower portion 19 has for example an upper surface 23 delimiting the space 21 downwards. The upper surface 23 is visible from inside the vehicle by an occupant of the vehicle. For this purpose, it is for example formed by and / or coated with a decorative layer, giving an aesthetic appearance to the lower portion 19.

[0036] Advantageously, the upper surface 23 extends along a substantially horizontal plane. The space 21 opens towards the interior of the vehicle, that is to say towards the rear of the vehicle when the trim element 15 forms a part of the dashboard 12. The upper 17 and lower 19 portions define between them an accessibility window 24 to the space 21. An occupant of the vehicle then has access to the space 21 from the interior of the vehicle through the accessibility window 24. The space 21 defines a storage space for objects. In an embodiment not shown, fixing means are provided in the space 21 to hold the objects in place.

[0037] The vehicle interior trim 10 comprises a display system 25 comprising an image generating device 27 and a display element 29.

[0038] The image generating device 27 is configured to generate images and project them onto the display element 29. The image generating device 27 is in particular configured to generate light by forming images.

[0039] The image generation device 27 comprises, for example, a matrix of pixels. The image generation device 27 comprises, for example, a digital screen capable of generating images.

[0040] As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the image generation device 27 is for example arranged on the upper portion 17, and in particular integrated into the upper portion 17 of the trim element 15, or else arranged in contact with a lower surface 31 of the upper portion 17 of the trim element 15.

[0041] The image generating device 27 is rotated towards the lower portion 19 of the trim element 15, to project the generated images towards the lower portion 19.

[0042] The image generation device 27 is intended to generate images containing all kinds of information, for example related to the operation of the vehicle, to the environment outside the vehicle (weather, traffic information, etc.), or to the connection with multimedia, for example (connected telephone).

[0043] For example, the image generating device 27 may project icons representative of the adjustment of the heating, ventilation, defrosting functions, the temperature inside the vehicle, or the adjustment of the volume of a sound device, the adjustment of multimedia content being played, the switching on and off of the multimedia device, etc.

[0044] The display element 29 comprises a display surface 33 for displaying the images projected by the image generating device 27 onto the display surface 33.

[0045] The display element 29 extends between a front end 35 and a rear end 37, opposite the front end 35.

[0046] The display element 29 is for example a semi-reflective blade, in particular in particular a semi-reflective blade made of plastic, such as polymethyl methacrylate acrylic (PMMA), or glass.

[0047] The display element 29 formed by a semi-reflecting blade is configured to partially reflect the light rays emitted by the image generating device 27 towards the display surface 33.

[0048] A light ray with a wavelength between 400 nm and 750 nm (visible range) is partly reflected by the display element 29 when it strikes the display surface 33.

[0049] The display element 29 has, for example, a reflectivity of between 30% and 60%. In other words, a value of between 30% and 60% of the electromagnetic energy of an incident light ray having a wavelength of between 400 nm and 750 nm and striking the display surface 33 is reflected by the display element 29, thereby creating a virtual image of the image generating device 27.

[0050] Advantageously, the display surface 33 is flat.

[0051] In exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the display surface 33 is touch-sensitive, i.e. it defines a pointing device usable by the user by touching the display surface 33.

[0052] For this purpose, said part of the display surface 33 comprises for example capacitive sensors and / or resistive sensors or piezoelectric sensors arranged to detect a tactile interaction of a user with the display surface 33. In other words, by interaction between the display surface 33, with his finger for example, the occupant of the vehicle can control certain functionalities of the vehicle, such as for example the thermal control inside the vehicle, the management of the multimedia of the vehicle, etc.

[0053] The display element 29 comprises a movement device 39 configured to move the display element 29 between a retracted position, shown in Figures 2 and 4, in which the display surface 33 is hidden from the user and an extended position, shown in Figures 3 and 5, in which the display surface 33 faces the image generating device 27 to receive and display the images projected by the image generating device 27, the display surface 33 being visible to the user.

[0054] In the retracted position, the display element 29 is not visible to an occupant of the vehicle. This limits distraction of the occupant who can then, for example, concentrate on the road, or on driving.

[0055] Advantageously, in the retracted position, the display element 29 is clear of the space 21.

[0056] Therefore, in the retracted position, the display element 29 allows access to space 21, which can then be used as storage space by the vehicle's occupants.

[0057] In the deployed position, the display element 29 extends for example into the space 21, between the upper portion 17 and the lower portion 19, being in particular visible through the accessibility window 24.

[0058] During deployment, the display element 29 passes for example from the retracted position to the deployed position through an opening 42 of the trim element 15. The opening 42 is arranged between the upper portion 17 and the lower portion 19 of the trim element 15, opposite, in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the accessibility window 24.

[0059] The opening 42 allows the display element 29 to be stored in the trim element 15 in the retracted position, in order to declutter the vehicle interior and reduce distractions caused by the vehicle's display surfaces.

[0060] Advantageously, in the retracted position, the display surface 33 is masked by the trim element 15, in particular by the upper portion 17 of the trim element 15.

[0061] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 4, the display element 29 is for example raised against the upper portion 17 of the trim element 15 in the retracted position. Thus, in the retracted position, the display element 29 is masked and the display element 29 is clear of the space 21.

[0062] Each of the front 35 and rear 37 ends are raised away from the lower portion 19, the rear end 37 being in particular raised against the upper portion 17.

[0063] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 5, in the deployed position, the display element 29 is lowered below the upper portion 17. In particular, the display element 29 extends into the space 21 and reduces access to the space 21, in particular by at least partially closing the accessibility window 24.

[0064] For example, in the deployed position, the display element 29 extends obliquely from front to back and from top to bottom, the display surface 33 being inclined by being turned upwards and backwards. In other words, the front end 35 extends substantially always away from the lower portion 19, while the rear end 37 extends away from the upper portion 17 and in contact with the lower portion 19.

[0065] In order to limit the vibrations of the display element 29 and / or to stabilize the display element 29 in the deployed position, an edge of the display element 29 rests for example on the lower portion 17 of the trim element 15. In particular, the rear end 37 of the display element 29 rests on the flat upper surface 23 in the deployed position.

[0066] In exemplary embodiments, the display element 29 comprises an edge element 41, disposed at the rear end 37 of the display element 29.

[0067] Advantageously, in the deployed position, the display element 29 rests on the lower portion 17 via the edge element 41.

[0068] In one embodiment, the edge element 41 has a decorative function. It is, for example, made of aluminum.

[0069] In a particular embodiment, the on-board element 41 is a human-machine interface, such as a touch interface, which notably allows an occupant of the vehicle to control the deployment / removal of the display element 29. As a variant, the on-board element 41 is a human-machine interface making it possible to control any other functionality of the vehicle.

[0070] In the example of [Fig.2], at least a portion of the edge element 41 remains accessible to an occupant of the vehicle even when the display element 29 is in the retracted position.

[0071] In the deployed position, the image generating device 27 forms with the display element 29 a non-zero angle α, as shown in [Fig. 5]. The angle α corresponds in particular to the angle formed between the plane along which the image generating device 27 extends and a plane along which the display surface 33 extends. Similarly, the angle α corresponds for example to the angle formed between a direction of emission of the images from the image generating device 27, which is normal to the plane along which the image generating device 27 extends and a direction normal to the plane along which the display surface 33 extends. The angle α is in particular chosen so that an occupant of the vehicle can easily and correctly see the images projected onto the display surface 33 through the opening of the accessibility window 24.

[0072] Furthermore, the angle α conditions the position at which the image projected by the image generating device 27 and reflected by the display element 29 is formed. In particular, the angle α is chosen such that an image projected by the image generating device 27 and reflected by the display element 29 is formed between the display element 29 and the lower portion 19 of the trim element 15. In other words, the image is formed behind the display element 29, in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The projected image then appears as floating for the occupant of the vehicle. This characteristic provides a pleasant visual effect for the vehicle occupants.

[0073] The movement of the display element 29 between the retracted position and the deployed position combines a translation and a rotation of the display element 29.

[0074] The movement device 39 comprises for example a slide 43 to allow the translation of the display element 29, and a hinge 45 to allow the rotation of the display element 29.

[0075] The translation is carried out for example in a translation direction. The slide 43 extends in the translation direction.

[0076] The translation direction is for example contained in a plane defined by the longitudinal axis and the vertical axis of the vehicle, making an angle with the longitudinal axis equal to or less than 25°. In a particular example, the translation direction is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0077] The hinge 45 has an axis of rotation which is for example contained in a plane defined by the transverse axis and the vertical axis of the vehicle, making with the transverse axis an angle equal to or less than 25°, in particular an axis of rotation perpendicular to the direction of translation, more in particular parallel to the transverse axis of the vehicle.

[0078] The movement device comprises an intermediate support 47 having a sliding portion 49 guided in translation by the slide 43 and an articulation portion 51 connected to a display support 53 by the hinge 45, the display element 29 being fixed on the display support 53.

[0079] The display element 29 is attached to the display support 53 by the front end 35 of the display element 29.

[0080] The displacement device 39 ensures smooth kinematics during deployment and during withdrawal of the display element 29.

[0081] The movement device 39 comprises an actuator 57, such as a motor, arranged to actuate the movement of the intermediate support 47 along the slide 43.

[0082] In the example of Figures 4 and 5, the movement device 39 is masked by the trim element 15, in particular by the lower portion 19. Thus, the appearance of the interior trim 10 is not degraded by the presence of the movement device 39 and the interior of the passenger compartment of the vehicle is not cluttered.

[0083] In order to cause the display element 29 to move from the retracted position to the deployed position, for example in order to display on the display element 29 additional information relating to the state of the vehicle, driving, or any other type of information, a control device, not shown, may be provided on the central console of the vehicle.

[0084] The control device is for example connected to the actuator 57 in order to cause the display element 29 to be deployed or withdrawn.

[0085] The control device comprises for example one or more control button(s) making it possible to control the deployment of the display element 29. Each control button is for example physical and comprises for example a mobile element that can be moved manually by the user and a movement sensor. of the movable element. Alternatively, the control device comprises one or more mechanical buttons.

[0086] Alternatively, the control device is a touch interface allowing an occupant of the vehicle to control the deployment of the display element 29.

[0087] The control device allows the occupant of the vehicle to choose whether or not to activate the deployment of the display element 29 depending on the configuration of the vehicle, and / or the level of information that he needs.

[0088] The control device is for example connected to an electronic control unit, not shown, configured to control the image generation device 27 for the generation of images.

[0089] When the deployment of the display element 29 is commanded and the display element 29 has moved from the retracted position to the deployed position, the electronic control unit commands the activation of the image generating device 27 to generate images, in particular so as to project the desired information onto the display element 29.

[0090] When the display element 29 is in the retracted or extending position, the control unit deactivates the image generating device 27. This allows energy savings to be achieved.

[0091] The vehicle interior trim 10 according to the invention has numerous advantages.

[0092] Since the display element 29 is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position, the user can choose to use the display element 29 only when needed, for example to display information that is not essential for driving in normal times.

[0093] This feature makes it possible to reduce the costs generated by powering the image generation device 27 and the distractions due to the display surfaces in the vehicle.

[0094] Furthermore, the translation and rotation of the display element 29 relative to the trim element 15 in order to retract the display element makes it possible to store the display element 29 in order to limit the interior space requirement of the vehicle when the display element 29 is not in use. It even becomes possible to use the space freed up by the removal of the display element 29 as a storage volume for the occupants of the vehicle. The configuration of the passenger compartment is then optimized. This retracted position allows better accessibility to the space 21, for example to place or take objects there or to be able to clean this space.

[0095] Furthermore, thanks to the relative arrangements of the display surface 33 in the deployed position of the display element 29 and the image generating device 27, the image emitted by the image generating device 27 and reflected by the element display element 29 appears as a virtual image between the display element 29 and the lower portion 19 of the trim element 15. The user then sees a virtual image floating in front of the lower portion 19 of the trim element 15, which gives a three-dimensional appearance to the projected image.

[0096] Furthermore, when the image generating device 27 is deactivated (display element 29 in the retracted position), the lower portion 19, and in particular, the upper surface 23 of the lower portion 19 of the trim element 15, is visible to an occupant of the vehicle and has a particularly satisfactory appearance.

[0097] It is understood that the trim element according to the invention may comprise several display elements associated with several image generation devices or an extended display surface on which images from several image generation devices are displayed.

[0098] In an embodiment not shown, a system for cleaning the display element 29 is provided for cleaning the surface of the display element when moving from the deployed position to the retracted position. For this purpose, at least one cleaning element scrapes the surface of the display element, for example to remove dust. This scraping element is, for example, in the form of a scraping lip made of flexible material, in particular of the elastomeric type.

Claims

Claims

1. Vehicle interior trim (10) comprising a trim element (15) and a display system (25) comprising an image generating device (27) and a display element (29) comprising a display surface (33) for generating a virtual image from an image emitted by the image generating device (27) and reflected on the display surface (33), characterized in that the display element (29) is movable between a retracted position, in which the display surface (33) is hidden from the user, and a deployed position, in which the display surface (33) is opposite the image generating device (27) to receive and display the image projected by the image generating device (27), the display surface (33) being visible to the user, and in that,the movement of the display element (29) between the retracted position and the deployed position combines a translation and a rotation of the display element (29) relative to the trim element (15).,

2. Interior trim (10) of a vehicle according to claim 1, in which the translation is carried out in a translation direction contained in a plane defined by a longitudinal direction and a vertical direction of the vehicle, making an angle equal to or less than 25° with the longitudinal direction and / or the rotation is carried out around an axis of rotation contained in a plane defined by a transverse direction and the vertical direction of the vehicle, making an angle equal to or less than 25° with the transverse direction.

3. Interior trim (10) of a vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, in which the translation takes place in a translation direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and / or the rotation takes place around an axis of rotation parallel to a transverse direction of the vehicle.

4. A vehicle interior trim (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the display element (29) comprises a moving device (39) configured to move the display element (29) between the retracted position and the deployed position.

5. Interior trim (10) of a vehicle according to claim 4, in which the displacement device (39) is masked by the trim element (15).

6. Vehicle interior trim (10) according to claim 4 or 5, in wherein the moving device (39) comprises a slide (43) for carrying out the translation and / or a hinge (45) for carrying out the rotation.

7. A vehicle interior trim (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the trim element (15) comprises an upper portion (17) and a lower portion (19) defining a space (21) therebetween, the display element (29) extending into the space (21) in the deployed position and the display element (29) being disengaged from the space (21) in the retracted position.

8. A vehicle interior trim (10) according to claim 7, wherein, in the deployed position, an edge of the display element (29) rests on the lower portion (19) of the trim element (15).

9. A vehicle interior trim (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, in the deployed position, the display element (29) extends obliquely from front to rear and from top to bottom, the display surface (33) being inclined when facing upwards and forwards.

10. A vehicle interior trim (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the display element (29) is raised against the upper portion (17) in the retracted position and the display element (29) is lowered below the upper portion (17) in the extended position.

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